Sold AS The alpha King's Breeder

Chapter 88: Is That Invitation Still Open?

With Raymond out of the way and my name restored, I left the pack courtyard and the trial and ran straight to the packhouse to check on Warren.

“Ciana, you’ re okay,” he said with a relieved sigh. “Slow down. Thank you again for coming back for me.’

“No, Warren, I should be thanking you. You helped me so much. I’m sorry that you went through all of that. I don’t know what I can do to repay you,” I blurted out, squeezing his hand.

“Silly girl! We’ re friends, right? That’s what we do. You have no idea how worried I was about you. When you fainted and they took you away…” Warren ‘s face wrinkled at the bad memory. “Thank the Goddess you are unharmed.”

He opened his arms like he was going to hug me.

Someone cleared their throat behind us and I saw Theo, or Tallis as he was still pretending to be, standing against the nearest packhouse wall. He was glaring at Warren.

Theo?” Warren asked.

“I’m not Theo!” he hissed moodily. “My name is Tallis.”

“Oh…” Warren stared at him for a moment, and murmured to himself, “Sorry, you remind me of my brother. I mean, you look different, but just…’

I jumped in, “Warren, believe me, I was confused at first too. But this is Tallis. He’s Nelson’s brother. Nelson is the car-

nival director,” I said, covering for Theo. I figured he probably had a good reason to keep his identity a secret, even from his own brother.

“Hmm. Well, you are dressed like you work with Nelson,” Warren said with a chuckle. He turned back to me, looking at me with deep, emotional eyes.

“Yes, he does, doesn’t he? I don’t think Prince Theo would ever wear colors like that,” I said, giggling and giving Theo a challenging look.

Theo snorted and looked away from me.

“I heard my name,” Nelson arrived with a concerned look on his face. “Geez, Tallis, there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you. They told me you’re at the packhouse. The carnival is packed up. Are you ready to go or what?”

“I’m ready,” Theo said stiffly.

“Great. Well, say your goodbyes and let’s get going. We’re all waiting on you,” Nelson said. He clapped his hands to hurry Theo along.

I bit my tongue to keep from laughing, seeing the dark, dangerous look in Theo’s eyes. If Nelson wasn’t careful, he’d end up dealing with the Dark Prince.

Theo glanced at me and crossed his arms. He gave a final nod and left after Nelson. It was already getting late and if he hung around too long, it would seem suspicious. Especially if he kept hanging around me.

“Warren, how are you feeling?” I asked, turning back to Warren.

He still looked a little pale and dirty. I hoped after a nice shower and some fresh clothes, he’d look and feel better,

Warren sniffled and rubbed his head.

“Honestly, I’ve got a bit of a headache. I’m not sure if I’m getting sick or I just need good food,” he admitted.

Warren and I headed back to my parents’ house. As we went, he started sniffling more and rubbing his temples. He was definitely sick.

need a good night’s sleep and some hot food. I’ll make sure to get you a

Warren murmured, his eyes

Theo would want to know and maybe would send Warren back to the palace. I hurried

trash. Sighing, I

still asleep when I got back to

with a mug of tea and water. It would be there when he woke up. A strong shifter like

settle down. I was happy to

8B. That Sol’

to Susan’s gravestone in the pack cemetery. Her death had been avenged, but I still missed her and

on her grave

sorry I am that you were killed because of me. Raymond is gone, though, and I think he suffered.

you are,” Warren said,

pulled my hand from the grave and looked at him. “I just wanted to

going well, then?” Warren

again. You look quite energetic. Feeling 100% now?” I

had returned to his

great. That breakfast you made me this morning was

head. No one had ever praised my cooking before. I couldn’t tell if he was just being nice or if he

or ganize the pack,” Warren added, getting back to his

88. ISThai

the pack territory. It was a nice day with warm morning sun shining down on

dead and Hawke ex iled, no one is left to cause problems. I keep going to their meetings, but every time they have it all under control. I hardly

pack is do ing better. It makes me feel better

“Asking what?”

flipped a little. What could Warren want

sister’s pack from here. I’d still like to do that now that Raymond isn’t a threat. I wanted to know

you

“I’m glad I took time to recover from being held prisoner. So, do

lower lip

the alpha

many years ago with my parents, and) r membered

do you say?” Warren

that every thing seemed to have settled in the pack, it would be a pleas ant change from what

at Warren and saw that hopeful, bright look in his eyes. Clearly, he still held some affection for me. If I went with him, he might think I had feelings for him, too. I didn’t want to give Warren the wrong message. It probably wasn’t a great idea to spend too much time alone

in pack territory at the moment. My pack

stay here until my parents get back. Alvar needs strong

fell and I could see he was disappointed. He took my hand and squeezed

said, nodding and

my parents’ house to pack and I headed to the courtyard to see if Frederic or Murray needed me for anything. I was impressed with how well they were handling things, but I still wanted to be involved so I could tell

is gone… so sad,” I heard some

88′ That Open?

the carnival,

handsome.

bad. They